It’s hard to believe that it’s time to start the countdown towards our graduating senior’s “lasts” – their graduations and final recital will be here before we know it. On the blog today: continuing this year’s Senior Features with a little bit more about the dancers you’ll see performing in the Senior Dance and a Senior Solo at recital. We love celebrating our graduating seniors!
Senior Year at The Pointe
For many dancers, dancing all the way through their senior year is a big goal and a major accomplishment – many of our graduating seniors started dancing with us when they were in preschool! We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives for so long and to get to watch them grow up into confident, thoughtful, and hard-working young adults.
Senior year is a special one – many of our seniors take classes and serve as Junior Faculty at The Pointe – assisting in classes with younger students and even helping with some competition practices over studio breaks. Seniors are all featured on canvases that we’ll print and put up later this fall in the hallway that will be graduation gifts for them showcasing their well-earned skill and artistry in dance.
You’ll see our seniors dance with Miss Vanessa in a group senior dance choreographed by the dancers at the recital, and each senior will have the opportunity to perform a solo of their choice. Giving these dancers an opportunity to showcase their performance skills and experiment with choreography is one of our favorite studio traditions.
Senior Feature: Taryn Hildenbrand
Taryn’s Dance Bio
Taryn has been dancing at the studio for 13 years! Taryn has studied and competed in every style of dance that we offer at The Pointe. In addition to taking classes and competing, Taryn is a beloved assistant teacher! Dancers have had “Miss Taryn” assist in classes for 7 years!
“Taryn is not only a gifted, hardworking dancer – she is a compassionate teammate, an amazing role model for young dancers, and a joy to experiment with in choreography. She comes to rehearsals with a willingness to try new and challenging skills, a determination to become the best she can, and a kindness that spreads to everyone around her. Taryn is a loyal friend, an inclusive teammate, and a joy to dance and be with. I have loved getting to watch Taryn grow up at the studio!”
– Miss Vanessa
In Her Own Words…
1. How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing at The Pointe for 13 years, competing for 8 years, and have been an assistant teacher at The Pointe for 7 years.
2. What is your favorite dance that you have performed?
My favorite routine is my Tap 3 routine, “Danger Zone”, choreographed by Miss Kara.
3. Favorite dance memory?
My favorite dance memory is choreographing a trio with my good friends Gretchen and Karli <3
4. Favorite genre of dance?
I like contemporary and jazz because they’re the most fun.
5. Finish this sentence: I love dancing because…
I love dancing because it has helped me to create a positive relationship between my mind and my body. To me, dancing is truly a form of self expression rather than a means for measuring skill.
6. What are you looking forward to the most in finishing out your senior year in dance?
Having the most fun I can and fully taking in all of my final moments.
7. Plans after High School?
After high school, I will be continuing my education at UNI where I will major in communication disorders. I am planning to continue dancing at collage, to what extent is undecided as of now.
8. Advice for younger dancers?
Dance for yourself. No one’s opinion of you or your skill is more important than your personal relationship with dance.